Atlético Madrid's Radamel Falcao is the sort of goalscorer who would enhance any of the also-rans, but will the Colombian leave La Liga for the Premier League? Photograph: Sergio Perez/Reuters

ARSENAL

Why are they 21 points behind?

Selling their best player, Robin van Persie, to United and watching him bang in goals for them was not a hugely encouraging start. Olivier Giroud, who has needed time to settle, has struggled to fill his boots. Cashing in on key personnel and failing to sign replacements that are better is nothing new and it has raised questions about the club's ambition, glass ceilings and transfer market policy. Is Arsenal's true goal a Champions League finish?

What they need to do in the summer

Sign world-class talent, with the priority positions being goalkeeper, defensive midfield and centre-forward.

Can they catch United next season?

Unlikely. Arsène Wenger has the funds at his disposal to sign £20m-plus players, which might help to accelerate a bridging of the gap but, at heart, he is opposed to splashing out in such fashion. He remains committed to prudent spending and developing players. His belief in his principles is unwavering but he has not won a trophy since 2005. David Hytner

CHELSEA

Why are they 22 points behind?

This has been exposed as a season of transition at Stamford Bridge, overseen by an interim manager the supporters do not want and driven by a team crammed with key players still adjusting to a new league. The old guard are being phased out, the sheer number of games draining energy and momentum from the league campaign. Those factors combined have left them floundering, even if anything above sixth would technically be an improvement on last term.

What they need to do in the summer

Appoint a new manager who can unite the squad, galvanise the support and convince the hierarchy he is the answer, and continue the process of regeneration with players of class who can make an immediate impact. José Mourinho, a manager who virtually guarantees trophies, is the fans' choice. The likes of André Schürrle, Radamel Falcao, Marouane Fellaini and Paulinho would inject further quality into the squad, if they can be convinced to come.

Can they catch United next season?

On the basis that this United side are not streets ahead, despite what the table suggests, then possibly. But Chelsea retain that ability to implode. A title challenge in two years' time might be more realistic. Dominic Fifield

EVERTON

Why are they 28 points behind?

That Everton are in the bracket of United's rivals, and still have an outside chance of Champions League qualification, is testament to the outstanding work of David Moyes and his players. One of only four teams to beat United in the league this season, a lack of resources has inevitably caught up on the squad at times, particularly up front where Nikica Jelavic has failed to repeat the goalscoring prowess of last season.

What they need to do in the summer

So much rests on whether Moyes renews his contract or leaves. Should he stay then adding a few quality additions – while keeping Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines – would have a profound impact on a team that is close to fulfilling its top-four promise.

Can they catch United next season?

Not without finally unearthing fresh investment. Everton could, however, get closer if they deliver on the previous answer. Andy Hunter

LIVERPOOL

Why are they 33 points behind?

A dreadful start to the season under Brendan Rodgers left Liverpool playing catch-up long before his intended style began to take shape in the new year. Inconsistent and with only one world-class forward in Luis Suárez – whose stunning form is the sole reason Liverpool are not even further adrift – the signs of progress have come only in flashes.

What they need to do in the summer

Retain Suárez or reinvest all of the proceeds from his sale back into the squad and prove that lessons have been learned from the transfer mistakes that Rodgers and the club's owner made last summer. The team need more leaders, especially in a central defence that will be losing Jamie Carragher this summer, and for their owner's under-24s-only transfer policy to be relaxed.

Can they catch United next season?

Given Rodgers will have had a season to impose his ideas, and Liverpool's recruitment team is now in place, there should be a more consistent challenge next season but overhauling a 33-point gap in one summer is a tall order. Andy Hunter

MANCHESTER CITY

Why are they 16 points behind?

If any of Robin van Persie, Eden Hazard, Javi Martínez and Daniel De Rossi had been bought last summer the quality of Roberto Mancini's squad would have increased and we would not be having this postmortem a month from the season's end. Fingers also have to be pointed at the star men who have disappointed. Step forward Joe Hart, Vincent Kompany, Sergio Agüero, Carlos Tevez, David Silva and Samir Nasri: all have failed to find the consistency they are paid lucratively to guarantee.

What they need to do in the summer

Up to 11 players could leave so recruitment must be better than last summer. The element missing is searing pace so adding a lightning wide player would allow Mancini's gang to open up teams who have learned to stifle the clever-clever approach that relies on David Silva too much. Also, a forward who can genuinely compete with Carlos Tevez and Sergio Agüero.

Can they catch United next season?

Yes. But as City plan to play 4-3-3 once August comes this system must be tried and tested. Jamie Jackson

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Why are they 23 points behind?

Despite André Villas-Boas's rhetoric in July that his new club ought to be genuine title contenders, the realistic target was always going to be top-four, particularly as there has been so much transition in terms of personnel. The loss of Luka Modric was huge, even though Mousa Dembélé has enjoyed a fine season and the injury to Sandro was another blow. Villas-Boas's counter-attacking style has yielded excellent results away from home but he is yet to find the key at White Hart Lane. The failure to sign a striker in January, coupled with Emmanuel Abedayor's toils, did not help.

What they need to do in the summer

Keep Gareth Bale. Sign a striker (they must accept that Brazil's No9 Leandro Damião is worth more than £13m) and possibly add cover on the flanks, although Andros Townsend's return from his loan at QPR might be one solution.